Work makes women put on weight

A study has found career-driven women working more than 35 hours a week are at risk of weight gain as they tend to develop unhealthier lifestyle habits. Photo / Thinkstock

Women who work more than 35 hours every week are more likely to put on weight, according to a study.

Research found career-driven women risk weight gain because they tend to spend less time preparing healthy food at home, taking exercise and getting the right amount of sleep.

Australian researchers analysed 9276 women aged 45-50 over two years.

Findings showed 55 per cent put on weight in that time with the average women gaining 1.5 per cent of her initial weight. Some were also reported to have experienced 'extreme' amounts of weight gain.

Those most likely to experience the problem were working more than 35 hours a week. The research, published in the International Journal of Obesity, also found women working more than 49 hours were more likely to smoke and drink alcohol.

As many as 65 per cent of these were drinking to 'risky' levels and 36 per cent did no exercise.

- Daily Mail